County law enforcement passes torch across Solano

Dozens of area law enforcement officers traded their guns for running shoes Thursday as they joined forces to run the 2014 Special Olympics torch across Solano County in preparation for this weekend's games.

After starting the day at 8 a.m. in the hands of Benicia police, the torch wound its way north, passing through the hands of officers with the Vallejo Police Department, the Solano County Sheriff's Office, Suisun City, Fairfield, CSP-Solano, California Medical Facility, Vacaville and finally Dixon police, who ran the last leg of the approximately 50 mile journey.

The trek wasn't confined to land, either, as deputies with the Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol took to the water, moving the torch from the Vallejo Ferry Building to the Suisun City public boat ramp.

Once back on land, Suisun City police ran the torch to the pedestrian bridge on Union Avenue in Fairfield, were it was passed to deputies who continued the run to the fountain in front of the Solano County Government Center and handed off to Fairfield police.

Among the deputies participating in the Union Avenue stretch of the run was Deputy Ricky Mroz, who just six months ago suffered major injuries — including breaking both of his legs — in a violent car crash while pursuing a stolen vehicle.

Officers passed through Fairfield before making their way to Peabody Road, where the torch was passed on to officers with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at Vacaville's two prisons before being turned over Vacaville police near the corner of California Drive and Peabody Road.

For Vacaville Officer Bryan Pro, Thursday marked his third time participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Pro, who typically runs four days a week, said he made the decision to participate because of the sense of partnership and support, not only among law enforcement, but with the Special Olympics.

"It's a good cause, it's a good community event, it's all the different law enforcement agencies working together for a common goal," he said, moments before setting off for his team's 5-plus mile stint in the run.

"It's a great cause. It's a pleasure and an honor to be part of it," said CMF Chief Deputy Warden Robert Fox.

The run had special meaning for CMF Correction Officer Susan Wallace, who participated in the run for the first time.

"It's a fun run for us, but it's a worthwhile cause. I have people in my family that I'm running for," she said, referring to Wade Saunders, who lives in Kansas.

When asked if she would participate again, Wallace didn't hesitate. "Absolutely," she said.

Wallace said she especially enjoyed the opportunity to partner with other area law enforcement.

"That doesn't happen very often," she said, adding, "It was kind of cool handing the torch off to (Vacaville police)."

Correction Officer Karina Sosa was also among those to run the mile from the entry of CSP-Solano to the corner.

"It helps angels, it helps people in the community come closer together and brings law enforcement to help other people," she said of her reasons for running.

"We're excited because all the agencies in Solano County participated, so we're definitely proud about that for this year," said Tonya Parker-Mashburn, community partnership manager at CSP-Solano. "I think this is the first year to have all of the agencies together."

"We had a great turnout and in addition to our run today, CSP-Solano raised almost $22,000 for the Special Olympics," she added.

Standing at the intersection of Orange Drive and Walnut Road, Correctional Officer Thomas Lombardo awaited the torch's arrival along with the rest of the Sheriff's Office team slated to carry it the eight miles to Dixon.

"Law enforcement has been doing the torch relay for quite a few years to help with (supporting the Special Olympics). We love supporting the kids who come out with us," said Lombardo, who estimates he has participated in the event about 10 times.

"I also volunteered at the Special Olympics, which was very rewarding, one of the of the best experiences you can have watching the kids compete," he said, that it is an overwhelming feeling to watch the athletes compete in the games.

After being passed on to Dixon officers, the torch was brought to the Dixon Police Department and from there will be delivered at the UC Davis campus in time for today's opening ceremony at 7 p.m.

The games will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and will conclude at 3 p.m. Sunday.